wrongful death action

noun

: an action that is brought by and in the name of the personal representative (as a spouse or parent) of one who dies a wrongful death and that seeks damages for the benefit of the survivors or the estate of the decedent compare survival action

Note: A wrongful death action is intended to compensate for injury to beneficiaries and not the injury to the decedent. The right to bring such an action is defined by statute.

Dictionary Entries Near wrongful death action

Cite this Entry

“Wrongful death action.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/wrongful%20death%20action. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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